Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain candidates for Gameweek 17?

The Gameweek 17 captaincy is set to ask Fantasy Premier League managers to choose between form and fixture.

It’s an age-old debate for us but no-less easy to solve going into the latest round of matches.

Therefore, the Captain Sensible article is back once again to help Fantasy managers make the right decision.

As this uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those signed up either on monthly or season-long packages will be able to access it in full.

Captain Poll

Once again, it’s Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) at the top of the captain poll for another round of FPL action.

After a 13-point haul at Aston Villa, the Leicester City forward is now preparing to host Norwich City in Gameweek 17.

The Canaries have conceded 34 goals this season, only Southampton shipping more so far, while Vardy himself is in absolutely incredible form.

His last blank was the Gameweek 8 defeat at Liverpool and he has scored in every single match since then. That’s a run of eight Premier League outings which have seen Vardy find the back of the net, the former title-winner scoring 11 goals in that run, adding three assists.

Therefore, it is no surprise to see Vardy command 51.8% of the captain poll for Gameweek 17, displaying a commanding majority over the other candidates.

Coming up in second and third place respectively are Liverpool’s dangerous duo of Sadio Mané (£12.3m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.2m).

It is the Senegalese international with the superior backing (22.1%) which is perhaps no surprise considering how many teams he is in worldwide (42.7%).

A rest against Bournemouth should see Mané come into Gameweek 17 fully refreshed for a tasty meeting with Watford.

The Hornets have lost each of their last three visits to Anfield by a 5-0 scoreline or worse, which bodes well for both Mané and Salah.

Each of them has been involved in seven goals at home this season, Mané scoring five and assisting two while Salah has found the net six times and assisted once.

The Egyptian looks like he could be an interesting differential option across the board, both for owners and captainers. Sat in just 21.6% of teams worldwide, only 8.8% of our voters have backed him for the Gameweek 17 armband.

There is a smattering of interest in Tammy Abraham (£7.9m) as Chelsea host a Bournemouth with defensive problems of late.

The Cherries could be without both Nathan Aké (£5.0m) and Steve Cook (£5.0m) on Saturday afternoon, arguably their two best central defenders.

Chelsea have now lost each of their last two Premier League matches and Frank Lampard will be under pressure to get a positive result. 3.3% of the voters believe that this will make Abraham a viable candidate for the captaincy this weekend, as he comes into Gameweek 17 with six attacking returns in his last seven matches.

A small number of managers are planning a brave defender captaincy for Liverpool’s meeting with Watford, 2.3% voting for Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m).

The right-back has three attacking returns in as many Premier League matches and faces a Hornets outfit that often struggles to defend set-pieces.

Furthermore, Nigel Pearson’s new side have not scored in any of their last three trips to Anfield and have blanked in three of their last four matches this season.

Marcus Rashford (£8.9m) is the only other option backed by more than 1.4% as Manchester United host Everton.

Player statistics – Last four matches

1,092 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Salah a differential. Nice

  2. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Salah (c)!!

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Differential 🙂

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        very nice to know indeed

  3. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any improvements needed?

    Hendo,
    Lundstram, Trent, Soy
    Mane, Son, Alli, Maddy
    C Vardy, Tammy, Rashford

    Button, Grealish, Kelly, Rico

    .5 bank

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      nope gtg

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Looks ideal. What is your Team Value and rank?

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        400k, was 2.3m nine weeks ago, 107.4.

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Good position to really push on over Xmas fixtures. Best of luck!

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers, after wk 3 was sitting 100k thinking easy, whoops dropped to almost 2.4M then started to recover.
            Still got first WC & all chips 😉

  4. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Morning

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Afternoon

    2. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Evening

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Noon

    4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Night

  5. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope (Button)
    TAA Lund Soy (Rico Kelly)
    Salah Alli Son Maddy (Zaha)
    Vardy Rash Ings

    1 FT, 0.3 itb

    A. Button -> McCarthy & BB
    B. save and expect bench points again and again

    leaning towards A atm. Thoughts?

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Same dilema below, if your happy not to bench boost a double gw then yes go for it

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

  6. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone shifting Pulisic after GW17? And for whom?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm actually finding a way to get him in later

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Swerved him & Zaha.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      The American Walcott has to go for sure

    4. Klein
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I was gonna but will only have cantwell as potential sub for 18. Will have to shift mane instead.

    5. Lignja
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      For Alli, tho exact cash atm so probably will need 0.1m from somewhere

    6. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish. Funds Ings to Rashford

  7. JT11fc
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Soo tempted to bench boost

    Pope Button
    Trent Chilwell Lundy Willems Kelly
    Son Mane KDB JWP Zaha
    Vardy Tammy Ings

    No clue who to bench otherwise maybe Willems Kelly and JWP

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Come join the party. Wild Rover and I are probably doing it

      1. Fitzy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        That WR is such a maverick. Should be one of the Pro Pundits...

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Indeed. Always true to his playing style

  8. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    with Liverpool and Man City having some tough fixtures in Dec. and Jan.--which players are people including from these teams?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mane, KDB and maybe keep TAA

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      TAA always now - unless injured

      could be KDB again

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      KDB mane TAA

    4. Pomp and Circumstance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      are you holding Mane with the GW 18 blank? fixtures in late Dec. and then in Jan. are tough

    5. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Will keep Mane, TAA and KdB.

      See no reason to get rid of any of those three at this moment. All capable of scoring consistently well in tough games.

  9. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    It's surely a matter of time before Greenwood becomes a regular starter. Martial continues to look lazy off the ball, whilst Greenwood is United's top scorer in Europe, and their 2nd top scorer overall.

    At youth level he averages over a goal a game, and an assist every two games. Unreal numbers.

    I think as soon as he strings 2-3 starts together we need get ready to jump on quickly.

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Totally agre on this !

      Amazing price, and probably he will play some time during the festive period

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      The cool people still have him from gameweek 1, i've been planning for this moment since August 😉

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I had him at start of the season. Got rid early.

      At the time I got rid I said I felt that he was going to be one of those players who would start becoming relevant in FPL in the new year.

      I still believe that will be the case.

      Currently have Rashford, though, so no pressing need to change things eve if he does start getting starts up front for United

  10. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Tough cap choice GW17.

    Salah hitting form again. Vardy cannot stop scoring.

    Norwich worst away record. Watford are toothless.

    Not sure what to do. Still on Vardy...

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy for me

    2. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Same dilemma but the effective ownership of Vardy scares me away from c anyone else.

  11. JT11fc
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    One from each team most likely
    Mane Son KDB Vardy Tammy Rashford Trent. I wouldnt know how to spend the money otherwise

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      RF pomp and circumstance

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Only KDB I don’t own.

      1. Jebiga
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        why ?

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Kept faith with city & tumbledown ranks.

          1. Jebiga
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Yea but KDB is season keeper i would say

            1. g40steve
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Swapped for Son & not looked back.
              Only three players I might want back are Salah, KDB & Sterling if they kick on.

              1. DAZZ
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                KDB > Son was a good move, but it's only a matter of time before Man City find their feet again, this form will not continue and everyone knows this.

  12. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Best forward for 5.7 or less? Downgrading Jimenez to get Spurs mid cover. Will join Vardy and Abraham

    1. Dilzy
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      DCL or Mousset

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      DCL has a plum ge18 fixtures, i am tempted

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I'm tempted to just bring in Greenwood which allows me to fund Son instead of Alli.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Alli is better imo

    3. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Probably:
      *DCL
      *Iheanacho looks great if he can nail down a starting place
      *Ayew

  13. Dilzy
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Dropped to 600k and didn't qualify for the cup, how can I improve this team?
    6.5 ITB (lol)
    1FT

    Pope
    Lundstram TAA Soyuncu
    Mane Alli Djenepo Pulisic
    Vardy Mousset Jimenez

    (McGovern CHO Tomori Rico)

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      6.5 itb?

      Needs a few upgrades.

    2. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      6.5m ITB !

  14. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any 4.0 defenders about to appear?
    Will Grant Hanley play when he returns from injury?
    What do you think of Reid 3.9?

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Simpson. Bournemouth. Nailed in December except Howe goes to the academy for centrebacks

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks pal

  15. That Fantasy Guy
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Hi all
    Ive got 2 FT, 0.4 itb.

    Pope
    Lundstram - TAA - Aurier
    Mane - Son - Zaha - Pulisic
    Vardy - Jiminez - Jesus

    Button - tomori - Williams - Hayden

    In thinking ...
    A. Jesus + Jiminez to Rashford + Abraham

    B. Jesus + Jiminez + tomori to Rashford + Abraham + soyuncu -4 but exact cash

    C other (please suggest)

    Which would you go for?
    Thanks!

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      well, i would like Jesus in my team after hatty

  16. fridge
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pope
    TAA. Soyuncu. Lundstram
    Salah. Maddison. Alli. KDB
    Ings. Vardy. Jiminez
    Button. Tomori. Donker. Montoya

    2FT, 0.7 ITB, what to do?

    A) Jiminez > Abraham
    B) KDB > Son
    C) Tomori > Aurier
    D) something else

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I do like A - considering it myself

      1. fridge
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Really tempted

    2. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Jimenez, KDB and Tomori

      to

      Rashford, Son and Aurier

      1. fridge
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Oooof I do like this but cant afford the Jiminez to Rash part unfortunately

        1. Jebiga
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Then Abraham

    3. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I had the same options. I went with A.
      My team with 0.6 ITB and 1 FT is:

      Guaita
      TAA - Söyüncü - Robertson
      Mané - KDB - Maddison - Zaha
      (C)Vardy - Abraham - Ings

      (Button, Lundstram, Tomori, Cantwell)

  17. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I know this means -4 hit, and i know that Ings is awesome, but what do you think of this moves :

    1. Ings and KDB to David Silva and Rashford for -4 ? (Have KDB from start of the season and loosing 0.4 on this move)

    Or should i wait this gw and do next GW:

    2. Ings and KDB to Grealish and Rashford for -4

    Thanks

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Neither. Hold

    2. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Would not do that even without the hit!

      Ings is just as likely to bag 1 against WHU as Rashford is to bag 1 against EVE.

      Would wait it out this GW, and make some transfers next week with more knowledge

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Hold. Grealish is on 4 yc btw so better be wary

    4. SALVA
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Save FT this week.

    5. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks folks, i will save FT

  18. Limit80
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    If i read that table right, in this country the blues get the majority of the vote and the reds are a long way behind in second place. Sounds familiar...

  19. Don Van Vliet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    *DCL
    *Iheanacho looks great if he can nail down a starting place
    *Ayew

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't be confident in any of them.

    2. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Reply fail*

  20. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    So this is the team for this week, have 2ft but really don't know what to do with them? Wanted to do Pope out but I like his next two games so will leave him for now. Should I leave it like this and burn a ft or maybe do some other minor move?

    Also feels like the week to do it so maybe Salah(C)?

    Pope
    TAA Lund Kelly
    Mo KdB Son Puli
    Vardy (C) Rash Mousse

    Button Soy Guilbert Dendo

    0,2 itb, 2 ft

  21. SALVA
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any ideas? 4.0m sub keeper to Martin?

    Guaita
    TAA, Soy, Lund
    Mane, Son, KdB, Maddy, Pulisic
    Vardy, Ings

    Kelly, Rico, Connolly 2FT 2.6 ITB

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Will you ever play Martin? I'm also thinking about doing that but I'm scared he will drop in price when Fabianski is back

      1. SALVA
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I dont think I will..and good point there!
        Problem is that I cant find any other move to make.

      2. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        It doesn't really matter, you're probably not going to move him out for a playing keeper unless another 4 becomes a starter.

    2. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe rico to Aurier ?

  22. balint84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    2ft
    A) Jim to Abraham
    B) Lowton to Targett
    C) Connolly to Greenwood
    D) Button to Martin
    E) save anyway

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A for me

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

  23. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    keep Pulisic for this GW or bring in Son or KDB? and with the Liverpool blank GW 18--should I include both these players (Son and KDB) in team soon?

    current midfield is: Mane, Alli, Pulisic, Zaha, Shelvey(!); thanks

    1. Kloppage Time
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      keeping Pulisic this GW then shipping him out for Son

      1. Pomp and Circumstance
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        thanks; plan to do likewise

        what about Liverpool and Man City midfielders?

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      i'd keep Pulisic this week

  24. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Going to be interesting when Man City's fixtures turn favourable again, especially when they find their form. It's only a matter of time.

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      With their defence they might just continue to be up and down form wise. They are a shawdow of the team they were last season.

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Laporte will return soon.

  25. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Tomori replacement
    Willems, baldock or dunk? Need to play them next week for mane
    Bench them this week
    I have lundstrum too
    Thanks!! !

    1. Clarity
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Out of those probably dunk.

  26. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    If going for strong midfield who would you drop on WC

    A Abraham
    B Rashford

    1. footballcandy
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      So hard, but I guess Rashford has the best opcoming fixtures 3-4 gws...

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Abraham has the better fixtures. Rashford has set pieces & is the better player tbf.

        I actually thinks Uniteds fixtures can be quiet tricky. watford, NEWCASTLE & burnley will sit somewhat deep against United whereas BOURNEMOUTH, spurs & arsenal will leave some chances for Tammy the goalscorer.

    2. Clarity
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

  27. tucaoneo
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Suddenly I remember that BGW when Salah scored four goals against Watford.

    1. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      And an assist.

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      good!

  28. Clarity
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Soyuncu
    B) Lundstram
    C) Kelly

    Thanks 🙂

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Kelly

  29. StayoutheSpiceZone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Jesus (c)

    1. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      He stand no chance against the great Sokratis 'Gladiator' Papastathopoulos & Bernd 'Bratwurst' Leno!

      Arsenal has simply been unlucky not to lock in 10 CSs this season...

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy captain

  30. balint84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    have Gazza but next week against Chelsea for him. now I have 2ft probably need to get another keeper instead of Button. Who do you suggest? 0.5itb